~Flashback Continued~

Discord pushed open the large wooden doors of the castle and casually hovered in, followed by a frantic Celestia. He wore a blank look across his face, as he usually did. Celestia, on the other hoof, was gasping for breath. “D-Discord, why did you run off like that? I had to run to keep up!”

        The draconequus replied with a light chuckle and flew back beside her. He decided he could have a little more fun with the little alicorn before she had to leave. “What, couldn’t keep up with little old me? That’s too bad.” He grabbed one of Celestia’s wings and extended it. “Perhaps you should learn how to use these then?”

        Celestia gasped and pulled her wing from his grasps. “Father says I should learn at  my own pace! There is nothing wrong with the fact that I can’t fly!” She poked him in the chest with her hoof and grinned. “Besides! I don’t need to fly. I could outrun you any day!” Discord chuckled as he patted Celestia on the head, which only worked to infuriate her.

        “Maybe I’ll take you up on that challenge one day. For now, I fear it will have to wait. It appears our fathers have finished their meeting.” Discord smiled and pointed his eagle claw towards the large oak double doors that now hung open. The two older creatures walked side by side out of the door, sharing a hearty laugh.

        “I’m glad to have this tricky business out of the way...now we can all move on. I see great things in our future!” Nightrend had his hoof wrapped around Rashlah’s shoulder as they walked. They appeared as old friends rather than opposing diplomats.

        “Father. I see everything went well.” The disappointment was evident on Discord’s face. He was still upset that he wasn’t even allowed in the room, when he was originally promised to be the main negotiator.

        Rashlah chuckled. He carefully glided his large paw towards Discord and gently patted him on the head. “Don’t be so down son. Today is a great day for all of the world! We have come to terms with Equestria, once and for all.” Discord gave him a curious glance before he turned away from his father.

        Celestia, who was just as upset as Discord, chimed in. “Terms? What terms?” Her snout scrunched up as she said this. Her own father had told her this meeting was to discuss borders between the two nations. For many years, the opposing countries had shed innocent blood over simple lines on a map, and today it would hopefully cease. Celestia was curious as to how centuries of war had come to a close.

Nightrend smiled gently and stroked his long, gray beard. “Well, we came to three terms. The first is that Equestria would take over part of Dracone, and in return we would pull our soldiers out of their territory in Dragon Country. The second is that Equestria will offer Dracone unicorn magic to power their homes. The third is,” His expression turned sour, and his voice trailed to a whisper. Rashlah realized he was having trouble saying it, and decided to interject for him.

“The third is that little Celestia here will remain in the castle to learn of our culture. I find that too few ponies actually know anything about the draconequus.” The atmosphere in the room was heavy with tension. Celestia collapsed upon her haunches, speechless.

“Yes...I do not wish it, but he’s right. It is a great opportunity for you Celestia...your mother isn’t going to be too happy though.” Nightrend chuckled slightly, though the displeasure was still obvious in his voice.

“This is amazing! This place has so many wonders to discover, father! I will surely miss you but...but I couldn’t possibly pass up on an opportunity like this!” Celestia saw this as her chance to expand on the adventures she had earlier today. Surely there was more to this place then a sunset and fireflies. Celestia had the strangest feeling that during her stay here she was going to experience something magical.

Nightrend slowly approached his daughter and knelt down in front of her. Tears were streaming down his face, though he had the biggest smile. “I wish I had your strength Celestia. You really have grown up so much... I’ll miss you. Make sure to write to me everyday, okay?”

The elderly alicorn sighed as he wrapped his front hooves around Celestia’s neck. He was saddened to leave Celestia behind, but he could see this was something she really wanted to do. It would be good for to learn of other cultures, and perhaps she could even grow as a pony. “Her mother is going to murder me though...”

~Flashback End~

-------------

        A light breeze swept through the maze, gently blowing Celestia’s mane around. She stood in utter awe looking up at the statue. She raised her hoof up to touch Discord’s icy face, it was frozen in a look of hate. A look Celestia knew all too well. “Why did you have to change?” Celestia whispered, tears now welling up in her eyes. Seeing Discord like this only served to bring back beautiful, yet painful memories of her past. Discord was her best friend, and her mortal enemy.

        “Sister?” Luna said calmly, tapping her sister lightly on the shoulder. “Are you alright?” Luna’s expression showed deep concern. She was worried about Celestia, who had been staring at Discord’s statue for several minutes now, never uttering a word.

        “Huh?” Celestia said drearily. “Oh, yes...just thinking about the mistakes I’ve made in my life...” She closed her eyes and allowed the memories she had come to love so much wash over her.

~Flashback~

        Discord slumped in the throne. He hated having to sit on the throne for his father, it’s not like anypony ever showed up to complain anyway. He rested his head on his paw and sighed loudly. The sooner the clock struck the twelve, the sooner he could find Celestia. Today was her one year anniversary in Dracone, and he was determined to show her a good time. He had spent the last week thinking of the best place to take her. Discord decided that since Celestia loved to explore the more natural side of the country, that he should show her the grandest spectacle in all Dracone; the Fire Skies. As luck would have it, the spectral showing was tonight.

Discord grinned, and decided while he waited he could have a little fun. With the snap of his fingers an entire circus appeared in front of him. All the members looked rather confused, resulting in a small chuckle from the estranged draconequus. “Tonight then...”

---------------

        It was late in the afternoon, and the smooth orange glow of the setting sun was just beginning to wash over the land. Discord smiled as he watched the elegant alicorn casually glide towards him, with the same grace and poise as she always carried herself with. Every time he saw her, he felt his heart pound his chest, and his wings would go weak.

        “Good evening, my lady,” he said coolly, grasping her hoof and kissing it. Celestia giggled as she felt his gruff beard brush against her fur. “I hope you’re ready for the most amazing time tonight. You are going to get to see something nopony has ever seen.” Celestia’s eyes brightened at the thought of seeing something so rare.

        “That incredible huh? I’ll take you up on that Discord. It better be as good as you say though.” She playfully placed her hoof on his chest. “Or you’re going to get it!” Discord responded with a gentle chuckle and wrapped his warm paw around the eccentric mare.

        “Oh please Celestia. When have I ever let you down? If anypony in this world knows how to have fun, it’s me.” A grin swept across his wise face as an idea came to mind. “Plus, the trek there will be half the fun. You see, to get to this phenomenon we must climb to the peak of Mount Burlashk, our tallest mountain.”

“M-Mount Burlashk? But that is so dangerous! Everypony knows that the cliff sides aren’t safe to walk on.” Discord chuckled again and ran his paw through Celestia’s mane. 

        “The best things in life are not free, dearest Celestia. You must earn the right to experience the greatest aspects of life.” Discord released Celestia from his grip and turned to the massive, snow capped mountain before them. “Now you see why I brought you here...”

        Celestia gulped as she felt Discord’s paw glide across her coat as he let her go. “Are you sure it’s safe though? I told father I wouldn’t do anything too dangerous while I was here.”

        “I would never let anything happen to you Celestia.” Discord smiled and turned to face the mountainside. A frown overtook his face as he examined the lush forestry that accompanied the snowy surface. “Regular trees can be so boring, don’t you think?” His frown turned to a wide smirk as he raised his eagle claw. A quick snap, and all the trees were transformed into a enticing forest of sparkling candy canes. “Much better!”

        Celestia face hoofed and did her best to stifle a giggle. “Yes, it’s simply magnificent. We should go before you begin turning the birds into party favors.”

        “Don’t give me any ideas...” Discord extended his arm, beckoning for Celestia to go on ahead of him. “Shall we?” Celestia smiled eagerly and skipped ahead of him through the sugary entrance. She felt it much easier to scale the mountain now that the atmosphere was less ominous.

        Discord swiftly followed suit, mimicking her trail up the steep cliff side. The path followed the same consistency for about another half mile. Then the cliff side suddenly became jagged and narrow, coming dangerously close to drop-offs. Celestia gulped as she looked over the edge to see the tiny specks of red and white that formed the candy cane forest.

        “It’s best if you don’t look over the edge.” Discord gently nudged Celestia away from the edge and issued her to keep walking. “Once you start looking over the edge you’ll get nervous, and up here that’s a death sentence.”

        “Celestia, the things you’ve gotten me into with my father are far worse than this. It’s easy, as long as you keep walking.” Celestia shot the draconequus an angry glare and jabbed him with her horn.

        “Don’t push it, Discord!” He responded with a light chuckle and took the lead. Celestia huffed loudly, but decided to follow him. “How can he be so confident? It’s actually amazing how calm he is in situations like this...” She stared at him, as he carefully glided over the rocky surface. This instantly reminded her of her own insecurities. If it weren’t for her inability to fly, they could already be at the peak by now. She became so caught up in her thoughts, she failed to notice the dip in elevation. Her hooves got caught up on each other and she stumbled clumsily towards the edge. Celestia managed to catch herself just before falling off the path. “Discord!” she called out, hoping to catch his attention.

        Discord heard the gravely call, and turned to find the source. Celestia was standing dangerously close to then end of trail; a shocked looked plastered on her face. He was about to call back, but as he opened his mouth to speak, the ground beneath Celestia gave way and she fell out of his sight. Discord felt his heart stop as her swishing pink mane plunged beneath the rocky edge. “Celestia!” He screamed as he shot through the air after her.

He dove over the edge and started free-falling. Almost instantly he could see the falling alicorn, who was desperately flapping her wings in an attempt to slow her descent. Discord steadied himself and began flying top speed after her. Slowly he gained distance on her until he was able to wrap his arms around her and tuck her into his chest. At this point he was going too fast to be able to pull out of the dive, so he did the only thing he could. He rolled over mid-air, so his back was facing the ground, and prepared for a rough impact.

        Discord closed his eyes and prepared for whatever was about to happen. He could hear Celestia whimpering quietly, though he wasn’t exactly sure what she was saying. After a few more moments of falling he felt the harsh sting of gravel pierce his back. He had landed on a slope, which had helped ease the impact, but he slid painfully  for several feet across loose rocks and dirt. He came to a skidding stop several feet from the initial impact. The young draconequus groaned and released his powerful grip over Celestia.

        Celestia grunted and rolled over. She now faced Discord, who had his eyes shut tight from the discomfort. “Discord...” She whispered, pressing her snout to his. He felt the coolness of her nose and slowly opened his eyes. He blushed as he realized how close the alicorn’s muzzle was to his own.

        “Y-yes?” He managed to stutter through gritted teeth. His back was bruised and had suffered minor lacerations, but overall he was okay; just in a lot of pain. He was able to escape the fall largely injury free thanks to Celestia’s wings. She had extended them at the last moment and that greatly slowed them down before making impact.

        “Why didn’t you just teleport back to the top once you got a hold of me?” Celestia spoke dimly. She was both confused and grateful at the estranged Draconequus’ actions.

        Discord responded with an attempted chuckle, though it sounded more like a throaty cough than laughter. “I would have had to let go...” As Celestia gazed into the eyes of the draconequus that had just saved her, there was a fluttering in her chest that she couldn’t explain. Her muzzle lowered closer and closer to his as if by impulse. A blush grew across her cheeks as she drew close enough to feel his soft breath. Before she could react though, Discord pushed his muzzle into hers locking the two in a passionate kiss.Celestia was hesitant at first, but this felt right to her. She pushed back with her own lips while shivers rocketed up her spine. The white alicorn jerked back slightly at first, taken by surprise, but then hugged him closer, wishing the feeling would last forever.

        Discord pulled away from the kiss, leaving an awestruck Celestia to stare down at him again. “I told you, all you ever do is get me in more trouble.” He said between chuckles.

        ------------------

        In the hope of avoiding another accident, Discord decided it would be wise to just teleport the two up to the top of the mountain. Celestia agreed, having no desire to ever return to the treacherous paths of the mountain. She had more than enough adventure in that department, and only wanted to see whatever it was that had Discord in such a good mood. In the year she had been there, Discord had shown her many wonders, but none have had such a profound effect on him as this one did.

        The two appeared out of Discord’s teleportation onto a plateau overlooking the snow-capped ranges. They were on the southeast edge of the mountain, overlooking one of the many small villages that dotted Dracone. That, however, was not the reason they chose this spot. Once every five years a very rare phenomenon occurred, and this was the prime spot to enjoy the magnificent spectacle.

        “What exactly are we waiting for, Discord?” Celestia was leaning on Discord, occasionally nuzzling his side. The daring rescue he made showed her just how much he really cared for her. The two had created a bond unlike any other she ever had in just one year. In his case, Discord had known all along that this was the mare he wanted to be with. Ever since he first saw Celestia with her father, he knew he was going to be with her. The year they spent together only served to solidify his determinations.

        “If you have patience you’ll soon find out. Just look out upon the night sky. It is a simple thing, but I enjoy it nonetheless.” Discord grinned and wrapped his arm around Celestia. “I’m sure you’ll like it as well...”

        Celestia giggled and turned her attention to the young night sky. “Well I’ll just have to trust you. It’d be a shame if we came all the way out here for nothing.”

 Discord brought his muzzle closer to Celestia’s. “I wouldn’t say for nothing,” He gently kissed her cheek and returned to the indigo heavens. “Look! it’s beginning!”

The expanse above them began to erupt in minuscule splotches of red light, like a painter, flicking paint across his heavenly canvas. As Celestia watched, the infinitesimal specks engorged into glowing embers of spectacular color, dancing across the sky; frivolous and fickle, they were unearthly and alien. A spectacle that served no purpose but was adored by all.

As the celestial artist crafted his divine mural, the glorious full moon shone behind the embers, casting its radiant glow across the mountains. It was as an orb, beaming upon the earth, whilst ruby flickering phantoms pranced about it, casting their illustrious glow across the ranges below. 

All around the new-found lovers, tiny woodland creatures had hopped out to investigate the strange light show. Celestia giggled as one of the bunnies playfully nuzzled her leg. The whole scene reminded her of the books her father would read to her before bed as a child. “This is so amazing, do you know where everything happens?”

“I didn’t know where I’d find you.” Discord had a huge grin plastered on his face as he watched the embers race across the sky.

Celestia chuckled and rested her head on the draconequus’. “You’re still cheesy.”

~Flashback End~